Regeneration proposal to be considered by the planning committee

The next phase of Wokingham Borough Council's town centre regeneration plans - the Carnival Phase 2 development - is set to be considered by the planning committee on Wednesday 8 November.

The committee will consider detailed designs for a leisure and community led development, which includes a new library, improved wet and dry changing areas, a six lane 25m main pool, a flexible second pool with a movable floor, a four court indoor sports hall (which can convert at the touch of a switch into a 400 seat performance venue), studio spaces, a larger main gym and specialist gym for people with long term conditions. Proposals also include a new public promenade improving links from the carnival multi-storey car park and the new facility to the town centre, a new pedestrian crossing on wellington road, fifty five apartments and two commercial spaces suitable for leisure type businesses like a children’s soft play facility and family restaurant.

Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development and regeneration, said: "The council continues to look at the range of facilities a growing and changing population need and the regeneration is a key part in allowing us to deliver them.

“We believe that improving the leisure and community offer in the centre of Wokingham could help support residents for years to come. It would allow them to access new services right on their doorstep reducing their need to travel elsewhere, and allowing them to link activities and make more of their visit to town.”

Subject to receiving planning consent, the council would look to start developing the scheme in early 2020 with completion in late 2021.